The 2022 Mosman Youth Art Prize awarded 17 prizes to talented young artists at a special presentation event at Mosman Art Gallery on Saturday 14 May. The annual exhibition attracts hundreds of entrants aged between 12 and 21 from across Sydney. Of the artworks received, 211 were selected for exhibition and in the running for prizes. This year the exhibition showcases work in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking and ceramics.
Acclaimed Sydney artist Rosie Deacon judged this year's entries. Rosie spent a day with all of the artworks as she carefully considered each entry. Of her judging, Rosie said "The talent, passion and dedication I feel through the work is just so exciting for the future of Sydney artists. The range of talent was exceptional and I look forward to seeing more in the future from all the artists that entered. I found many works made me smile, feel joy, want to dance, and also really think deeply about many aspects of life in 2022."
This ingenuity and spirit is evident in the winners of each age category: Tertiary (18-21 years), Senior (15-17) and Junior (12-14). First prize in the Tertiary category went to Karoun Zoouain for their work Vignette, which as the title suggests provides vignettes of everyday life. This richly painted triptych depicts contemporary still life paintings form a domestic setting.
First prize in the Secondary category was awarded to Sydney Boys High student Steven Zheng, for his domestic still life, featuring his cat. The work is made of charcoal and pastels. PLC Croydon student Iris Hon was awarded first prize in the Junior category for her work titled My Grand-grandma, depicting the artist's great grandmother which features incredible technical accomplishment and sensitivity.
Since it began in 1988, the Mosman Youth Art Prize has achieved a national profile and offers young people around the country an opportunity to exhibit their work in a public gallery. The highly sought-after Prize has launched the careers of many successful artists such as 2018 Mosman Art Prize winner and Archibald Prize finalist Natasha Walsh, sculptor Alex Seton and interdisciplinary artist JD Reforma.
Mosman Council would like to thank Gold Sponsors, Audi Centre Mosman for their continued support in contributing towards the cash prizes. With this money, the Prize provides rewards for young artists seeking a career in the visual arts and makes the Mosman Youth Art Prize one of the richest competitions for young people with cash and other prizes totalling over $8,000.
The Prize is also supported by local businesses and other organisations, including the Ken Done Gallery, the Rotary Club of Mosman and ArtSmart. Thanks to the continued support of the Australian Watercolour Institute, Mosman Art Society and the Friends of Mosman Art Gallery, Mosman Art Gallery was once again able to offer additional prizes, through the Encouragement Awards.
